What Does 24K Mean on Jewelry?

A 24K stamp means pure gold — 24 parts out of 24, about 99.9% gold with essentially no alloy. It has the deepest color and highest value but is too soft for rings or chains that take daily abuse, so you'll see it mostly on bars and gift pieces. The equivalent number stamp is 999.

What is a 24K piece worth?

24K is pure gold and carries maximum melt value, but it's very soft — it dents and scratches easily, so it's rare in everyday jewelry.

How to verify a 24K stamp

Pure gold is soft and heavy; confirm the 24K claim with the Hallmark Reader and Is It Real? tool. Anyone can stamp a mark on metal, so a hallmark alone isn't proof — the fastest way to check is to photograph the stamp and run it through the free Hallmark Reader, then confirm the metal itself with the Is It Real? tool. For a full picture of what your piece is worth, get a free jewelry appraisal. To compare 24K with every other mark side by side, see the full jewelry stamps and markings chart.

Frequently asked questions